Awards & Reviews
A light-hearted and entertaining rodential read.
-- Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books
Quattlebaum has written an enjoyable book that is populated with likable characters who are devoted to artistic and intellectual pursuits.
-- Kirkus Reviews
Jazz, Pizzazz,
and the Silver Threads
ISBN 0440411505
Novel for ages 6 to 10
Click the book cover to purchase online!
Every day Calvin Hastings wishes for a pet: "Something lively to pat, something friendly to hold, a warm buddy in animal skin." But somehow his parents have decided that he is irresponsible. When his friend Jenny buys Pizzazz, a hamster, for her magic act, Calvin discovers the perfect pet--but surely Jenny will never give him up.
Writing Games
1. Animals are a great inspiration! Look carefully at your pet or watch an animal outside (a pigeon, squirrel, or frog, perhaps). Begin by describing its color and size. Then notice more! Does it have any funny habits? What does its fur feel like? What sounds does it make? How does it move? How do you feel watching it?
2. Now pretend you are that pet or animal. You can ask yourself a few questions to help "become" that animal: What do you see or hear? How do you eat? Move? Treat humans? How do humans treat you? Authors ask these kinds of questions when they create their characters!